MK-677 research: studies, doses and safety

This experimental oral drug raises growth hormone and IGF-1; risks include high blood sugar and swelling.

Also called: Ibutamoren, Ibutamoren mesylate, Ibutamoren mesilate, MK-0677, MK0677, LUM-201, L-163,191.

Growth hormone secretagogues (ghrelin receptor) · Non-peptide ghrelin-receptor agonist and growth hormone secretagogue.

  • Early months: In the older-adult trial, daily MK-677 commonly increased appetite, while mild leg swelling and muscle pain were also reported.
  • Within a few months: The trial reported that increased appetite faded within a few months for many participants.
  • Month 12: Lean mass increased without better strength or function, and fasting blood sugar rose while insulin sensitivity fell in the older-adult trial.

An older-adult trial used 25 mg by mouth daily for one year, with a second year of follow-up treatment.

34 original human research records include case reports and ongoing trials; some share participants. Phase 3 is in children, with no results yet.

Key studies

  • Older adults: lean mass and glucose: Lean mass increased, but strength and function did not improve. (source)
  • Hip fracture: stopped over heart failure: Most function measures did not improve; heart-failure concerns ended the trial. (source)
  • Earlier hip-fracture trial: Higher IGF-1 did not establish better recovery. (source)
  • Alzheimer disease: no benefit: Raising IGF-1 did not slow Alzheimer disease. (source)
  • Obese men: lean mass and glucose tolerance: The trial did not show fat loss and detected impaired glucose tolerance. (source)
  • Obese men: bone turnover: Secondary hormonal or bone findings do not establish health benefits. (source)

Related to MK-677 (ibutamoren)

Sources

Sources checked: 2026-10-18.

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